UK parliament's committee is questioning three ministers regarding potential loopholes in arms export rules following a partial ban to Israel. Business committee chair Liam Byrne requested urgent explanations after concerns emerged that arms companies might exploit these loopholes to supply military equipment to Israel for use in Gaza. The latest authorization figures revealed a striking increase in military goods—a situation that contradicts previous ministerial assurances. Foreign Secretary David Lammy contested these figures but pressures for transparency and accountability remain high among MPs, particularly regarding arms potentially used in ongoing conflicts.
In his letter, Byrne points out that ministers assured MPs that the ban covered equipment that we assess is for use in the current conflict in Gaza, such as important components that go into military aircraft, including fighter aircraft, helicopters and drones.
MPs are concerned that arms companies may be using the partial nature of the arms export ban imposed last September by the UK to send weaponry to Israel for use in Gaza.
The latest figures show the government authorised more than 61m in single-issue licences for military goods with an end user in Israel.
Challenged on these figures by the independent Labour MP Zarah Sultana in the Commons on Tuesday, the foreign secretary, David Lammy, said he did not recognise the number and accused her of sensationalising the issue.
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